Touchdown Jones

     I wrote this story for a little first grade boy who loved football. I later turned it into a picture book. Not only does he love football, but he loves the Forty Niners. It was adorable when he explained to me how bummed he was that his mom wouldn’t let him play until he was in fourth grade. I would love to know one day if he followed his dreams to be a football star at Cal.

Touchdown Jones

                Today was the day. The day they had all been waiting for. The day of the big game. Families gathered around the TV as other fans filed into the stadium. No one would dare miss such an important game, especially not Will.

                Will loved football and he loved the Forty Niners.

                A couple hours before kickoff, Will’s father came home from work and said, “Will, I have a surprise for you. Go look under your bunk bed, you might find something that wasn’t there before.”

                With that, Will scurried off to his blue room to see what surprise was hidden under his bunk bed. Just like his father had said, there was a box wrapped in blue and green striped wrapping paper waiting for him.

                By now, Will’s younger siblings, Emily and Drew, had gathered around to see what all the excitement was about. Without much delay, Will was tugging at the wrapping paper and tearing open the box to find a Forty Niners jersey inside. Jumping up and down with excitement Will exclaimed, “I love it! I love it!”

                With his new red jersey on, Will was officially ready to watch the game. But when he finally turned on the TV, he was struck with horror.

                The Forty Niners star wide receiver had just tripped on the stairs leading into the stadium during warm ups and broken his leg. He was not going to be able to play.

                The only one who could replace him was the remarkable Will Phillip Jones. He was smaller and younger, but he had what it took.

                With only an hour left until the game, a helicopter was sent to pick Will up from his house. As the propeller winds blew the leaves from the trees, Will climbed aboard and was taken to the field.

                The helicopter landed in the middle of the field, and Will stepped out onto the green turf of the field. The crowd stood in silence for a moment as they realized their hero had arrived. 

                There was little time to spare before the game would begin, so the coach helped Will warm up a little and get to know the rest of the team. Soon enough, the first whistle of the game was blown and they were off.

                It was a tight nail biting game. Both teams made great runs and were playing with all their heart. One individual stood out, and that was Will. He was making plays all over the field getting first down conversions one after another. But time was running out.

                It was a tie game 35-35 and there was ten seconds left on the clock. Will and the Forty Niners had time for just one more play. They had one more chance to win the game. The ball was hiked and then thrown; the only one who could catch it was Will.

               The ball went soaring through the air. The crowd held its breath as Will sprinted down the field with outstretched arms. This was it. This was the play that would determine the game. This was the play that could change everything. All Will had to do was catch the ball. He was ready.

                After what seemed like an eternity, the football landed straight in his arms. TOUCHDOWN! The referees raised both arms straight up and blew their whistles. The crowd went wild.

                With not a moment to spare, Will had saved the day and the Forty Niners had won. His team mates rushed down the field to congratulate him. “We couldn’t have done it without you, Will!” they all cheered.

                                                The End